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He pulled out into the street and wondered what had happened to the Rodriguez family
honor.
* * * *
"We can have the search warrant in less than an hour. The night watchman will be the
only one there, and he can't refuse to allow the police to search the office. We will have to put a
full legal hold on Anderson and Welker, of course, to keep the books in one place and the money
from being withdrawn. Of course, they don't know about it yet, but they will when they come in
tomorrow. Have you put her somewhere safe so she won't be intimidated or in danger? Blake
glanced at Tonio.
Tonio nodded. She's going to the house. She'll not be returning to her job. What about
Damien? Any leads yet?"
"You're going to have her stay at the house? Blake lifted his brows. Isn't that a little
dangerous?"
Tonio frowned at his lawyer. Why would it be dangerous?"
Blake seemed nervous. Having her under the same roof for an indefinite period of time
could jeopardize your attempt to remain uninvolved here, Mr. Rodriguez."
Tonio gave him a quelling glare and said dryly, She will pose no problem for me. In spite
of what my sister thinks, I do have a well-defined ability to resist throwing women down at first
sight and ravishing them."
"I am merely pointing out that your new wife is an extremely attractive young woman
and has a rather stimulating personality, and if you do not wish to become more deeply involved
than you already are, I would suggest that you find other accommodations for her."
Tonio frowned thoughtfully. You think I'm already involved here? Blake was stepping a
bit over the line as far as he was concerned, but the attorney was only looking out for his client's
best interests.
Blake nodded.
Tonio shrugged. She is rather maddening, but I assure you I feel nothing but the desire to
keep her from harm. I don't plan to sleep with her. She'll have separate accommodations within
my household. After all, there are several guest suites."
Blake seemed about to say something more, but apparently decided against it. He
shrugged and let the subject drop.
"Besides you yourself have informed me that she has a preference for female company,
so stop worrying. Now, I asked if you had anything on Damien."
* * * *
The headlights of the limo illuminated a tall stone wall, then a set of ironwork gates
which slid aside to allow the car to drive on. Chris had been gazing out the darkened glass
window for the past several miles wondering how far away this motel was, but as she saw the
dark shape of a huge building looming ahead in the evening gloom, she leaned forward and asked
in a hushed voice, What is this place, Jose? Where are we going?"
"The house is called San Cristobal, señora. It is part of the Rodriguez Coldwater Canyon
estate. There are three houses on the estate. This is the largest of the three."
She swallowed hard. That's a house?"
"Yes, señora. Jose replied as he negotiated the curve into the main drive, and stopped
under the portico to the far left of the main entrance. It is Señor Rodriguez home when he is in
California."
Chris bit her lower lip and sat there staring out of the window at the imposing structure.
My God! It must be bigger than my apartment building."
"No, señora, it has only forty-five rooms. I believe the apartment building has sixty
apartments with a minimum of two rooms each."
Only forty-five rooms? She shook her head. He really lives here? Her thoughts were
chaotic. No one lived in a house this big. Except maybe the president.
She stepped from the car as Jose held the door for her. She smiled shakily at him as she
walked past him and to the bottom step that led to a sizable door. Is this the servant's entry?"
Jose was pulling her bags from the trunk and he smiled. There is no servant's entry here,
señora. This is the utility entrance, used when guests arrive and their bags must go up in the
elevator. He closed the trunk and started to pick up the bags. It is also used when the weather is
bad and our guests do not wish to get soaked."
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